chapter 5

**Chapter 5: The Divine Encounter**

A few days passed, and my routine remained unchanged. Each day, I would wander through the desolate battlefield, searching for food and shelter while carrying Mia on my back. The harshness of our surroundings felt like an endless cycle of struggle, yet I persisted, determined to survive in this unforgiving world. But one fateful day, everything changed.

While exploring the remnants of what was once a great battleground, a sudden shift in the air caught my attention. I looked up and saw her—a stunningly beautiful woman appearing out of thin air. She radiated an ethereal glow, and for a brief moment, the chaos around me seemed to fade into a serene silence. However, as much as I wanted to be captivated by her beauty, I sensed something deeper within her presence. She was not merely a human; she was a goddess.

I felt a rush of energy surge through me as my awareness heightened. My vision shifted, and I activated my special ability. My eyes transformed, taking on a brilliant golden hue, with tiny star-like patterns shimmering at their center. The world around me brightened as I focused on the goddess, allowing me to perceive her true nature.

The goddess approached me swiftly, her movements graceful and fluid, like a gentle breeze. Despite her speed, I was struck by how she felt almost tangible—an aura of warmth enveloped me. As she drew closer, I couldn't help but marvel at her beauty. Her long, flowing hair glistened like spun gold, and her eyes sparkled with wisdom and power. But before I could fully comprehend what was happening, she reached out and cupped my face in her delicate hands.

"Child of prophecy," she said softly, her voice like music, soothing yet commanding.

I was taken aback, my heart racing. "Child of prophecy?" I thought to myself, "What does that even mean?" Confusion clouded my mind as her words echoed within me, igniting a flicker of both curiosity and apprehension.

The goddess smiled gently, as if sensing my turmoil. "I am here to guide you," she continued, her eyes locking onto mine. "You will never be alone. We will always be together, and you can do whatever you desire." Her assurance provided a strange comfort, yet a part of me remained skeptical. What did she mean by that?

Before I could voice my thoughts, she released her hold on my face, and in an instant, she began to fade away, her form dissolving into a cascade of golden light. "Wait!" I shouted, reaching out, but she was gone, leaving me standing alone amidst the silence of the battlefield.

"What just happened?" I wondered, staring at the spot where she had stood just moments before. The encounter felt surreal, almost like a dream, yet the imprint of her touch lingered on my skin. I couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a mere meeting; it felt like a turning point in my life.

Thoughts raced through my mind as I tried to piece everything together. "What did she mean by being a child of prophecy? Was I destined for something greater?" I felt a wave of determination wash over me. If the goddess had chosen to reveal herself to me, then I had to make the most of this opportunity. I needed to grow stronger, to harness whatever potential lay within me.

Suddenly, the gravity of her words struck me. "I have to make sure this doesn't happen again," I thought. The last thing I wanted was to end up in a situation where I felt powerless, like when I first encountered the god who died before me. I was fortunate that the goddess had no intention of harming me, but what if I encountered someone else—someone who wouldn't be so merciful?

I looked down at Mia, who had been quietly resting on my back throughout the entire encounter. She remained oblivious to the divine presence that had just graced us. "I have to protect her," I thought fiercely. "No matter what."

With renewed determination, I started walking again, deeper into the remnants of the battlefield, where I hoped to find answers about my abilities and the prophecy that surrounded me. I felt a deep yearning to understand what my purpose was and what destiny awaited us.

As I walked, I reflected on the goddess's promise that we would never be alone. Was she truly going to be with me? The thought filled me with a sense of hope. But what did that mean? Would she intervene in our lives whenever we faced danger? Or was it a more subtle guidance that would come in dreams and visions?

I wanted to believe that I had a guardian watching over me, someone who would help steer me in the right direction. But deep down, I understood that I had to take the initiative. The world was dangerous, and even with divine intervention, I couldn't rely solely on others to protect me. I had to be strong for Mia and myself.

As I journeyed forward, I began to train my mind, focusing on the golden light that had enveloped my vision when I met the goddess. I practiced drawing from that power, envisioning it flowing through me, enhancing my abilities. I wanted to be ready for anything, whether it be a foe in the physical realm or the lingering specters of my past.

Each day became a test of endurance, pushing the boundaries of my physical and mental limits. I found myself becoming more adept at wielding the sword **Athanasia**. Its weight felt more familiar in my hands, and I learned to move with precision and grace, as though I had been training my whole life. The sword was more than just a weapon; it was a part of me, a symbol of my strength and my mother's legacy.

Days turned into weeks, and I grew accustomed to this new routine. The shadows of despair that once threatened to engulf me began to lift. I felt more in control of my destiny. I would not allow fear to dictate my actions or hold me back. With each passing moment, I felt myself drawing closer to understanding the prophecy that had been spoken of and my place in this world.

Still, the image of the goddess lingered in my mind—a reminder of the connection I had forged with something greater than myself. And so, I continued my quest, determined to uncover the mysteries that surrounded my existence. Each step I took was a step towards fulfilling the destiny that awaited me, and I would face whatever challenges lay ahead, with Mia by my side and the blessing of the goddess in my heart.

In this chaotic world, I would find my purpose. I would become the child of prophecy, not just by name, but by action. And as I moved forward, I knew that together, we would carve out a future worth fighting for.